Colette Barbara Fischer 78, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 21, 2025 at her home in Santa Barbara, California. Colette was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 22, 1947, and placed in a Catholic orphanage at birth. She was adopted shortly after by Aloysius and Ruth Fanning. In 1949, the family moved to Santa Barbara, California, where Colette met her lifelong best friend, Diana Stecker. The two grew up inseparable.

Colette attended Garfield Elementary, La Cumbre Junior High, and San Marcos High School, graduating at the top of her class in 1964. She played the trumpet, danced, swam, played tennis, and nurtured an early passion for writing. In high school she was a member of the band, the French Club, student government and served as both reporter and editor for The King’s Page. Beyond school, she modeled for local businesses, served as the Girls League recording secretary, and was part of the Santa Barbara Barbaraettes. Her many academic and journalism honors earned her a full scholarship to Vassar College.

Colette attended Vassar for a few years before love led her down a different path. She married twice and welcomed her beloved daughter, Nicole Marie, in 1973.

At a friend’s Christmas party in 1974, Colette met Robert “Bob” Fischer, a Captain with the City of Santa Barbara Fire Department. They married in 1976 and shared 39 beautiful years together—raising Nicole, traveling the world, hosting lively poker nights, and pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. Together they owned Santa Barbara Farms, a Foremost Dairy distribution center, as well as two cherished local steakhouses, The Bounty and The Spur.

While building their businesses, Colette returned to school earning a Bachelor's Degree from the University of California Riverside and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from California Coast University.  She spent more than a decade working for the City of Santa Barbara in Payroll—first at the Police Department, then at City Hall—ultimately serving as Waterfront Business Manager. In retirement, she flourished as a respected real estate broker and CEO of CBF & Associates.

After Bob’s passing in 2015, Colette found new adventures with Nicole, often joined by her adored grandchildren, Kailyn Rose and Colin Robert. They loved exploring new restaurants together and rating every detail—down to the cost of a Diet Coke. To her grandchildren, she was lovingly known as “Ninnie.”

Colette was always impeccably dressed and radiated humor, warmth, and a zest for life. She appreciated a well-timed dirty joke, adored furry animals, and stopped to pet every dog she encountered. A devoted reader of the Santa Barbara Independent, she never missed an issue. Each Thursday she picked up copies for herself and Nicole, always turning first to the obituary section and teasing, “Am I in here yet?” Nicole would reply, “No, not this week. Maybe next!”

In January 2025, Colette rediscovered love in the most unexpected way—reconnecting with Charlie Palmer, a dear friend from more than 60 years earlier. What began as a simple reunion blossomed into something extraordinary. They shared dinners, wandered wineries, spent meaningful time with family, and reveled in every moment together. To Colette, Charlie was not just a companion but her soulmate—a beautiful surprise, a dream come true and a happiness that filled her heart completely.

On her final birthday this past September, Colette experienced unforgettable joy as her grandson Colin, a private pilot, took her soaring in the Southern California skies.

Colette is survived by her daughter Nicole Marie Crisostomo (Bill), granddaughter Kailyn Rose, grandson Colin Robert, and her beloved dogs Mahalo and Scruffy.

A memorial service and interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Santa Barbara Cemetery Chapel, 901 Channel Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 93108. A celebration of life will follow at El Paseo Restaurant, 10 El Paseo, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

And Mom…as for the obituaries in this copy of the Independent: Yes, you are in here this week.